Posted on: August 27, 2025, 12:26h.
Last updated on: August 27, 2025, 12:26h.
- Suspect in casino heist apprehended after stealing over $76,000.
- Another break-in attempt at J.P. McGills Casino thwarted.
- Police and gaming officials collaborate to swiftly apprehend the suspect.
A man from Colorado Springs is facing charges after a failed cash cage heist at J.P. McGills Casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado, last July, and another attempt on August 18. In the latter, he successfully stole more than $76,000 in cash, as reported by law enforcement.
A few hours after executing the crime, 26-year-old Andrew Joel Irvine was detained by the Colorado Springs Police Department with support from the Colorado Division of Gaming, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by KKTV News.
Casino employees informed the police that this was not Irvine’s first criminal attempt, explaining that he had jumped over the counter “just like last time,” referring to an earlier incident on July 19, where a cashier successfully thwarted his attempt before he could seize any funds.
Irvine reportedly had an outstanding warrant pertaining to this prior incident and allegedly returned to the crime scene last week.
Disguised Suspect
At about 4 a.m. on August 18, a man identified by law enforcement as Irvine was captured on the casino’s security footage loitering within the premises. He was seen surveying the hallway leading to the cash cage before exiting.
After a brief absence, he returned to the casino approximately a minute later, this time donning a dark face mask.
While the cashier was in a backroom adjacent to the cash cage, the video evidence shows the suspect vaulting over the counter and grabbing handfuls of cash before swiftly fleeing the scene. The entire event unfolded in under two minutes.
Irvine then made his way to his vehicle, which was parked at the nearby Double Eagle Casino, according to police reports.
When apprehended later that day in Colorado Springs, he reportedly told the arresting officer: “I was dumb. I like broke the law.”
Legal Action Taken
Irvine is currently detained at the Teller County Jail on a bond of $50,000. He faces charges including second-degree burglary, attempted theft, and third-degree burglary.
His next court appearance is scheduled for September 8.
“This case highlights the importance of interagency collaboration,” remarked Cripple Creek Police Chief Charles Bright in a media statement. “We express our gratitude for the professionalism and support from our partners at the Colorado Division of Gaming and the Colorado Springs Police Department as we continue to address this matter.”